Aapnu Sanskardhan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aapnu Sanskardhan" (Our Cultural Wealth) by Acharya Shri Chandraprabhsagar (Chitrabhanu Ji), based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme: Defining True Wealth and Cultural Heritage

The text, presented as a discourse on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, emphasizes that India's true wealth lies not in material possessions or monetary wealth ("paisa"), but in its rich cultural heritage and spiritual values ("sanskardhan"). This "cultural wealth" is what has made and will continue to make India prosperous, even if there's a current decline. The author urges a deep understanding of what this true wealth entails, as it enriches life, brings happiness, and transforms even death into an auspicious event.

Key Distinctions: Money vs. Wealth (Paisa vs. Dhan)

The author draws a sharp distinction between "paisa" (money) and "dhan" (wealth/true wealth).

Paisa: Can be possessed by anyone, including those with questionable character. It doesn't guarantee happiness or a fulfilling life. It can even lead to ego, ignorance, and physical/mental suffering.
Dhan (Sanskar Dhan): Is possessed only by cultured and virtuous individuals. It makes a person prosperous, happy, elevates the heart, cultivates knowledge, blesses life, and sanctifies death. It is the true inheritance and capital of India.

The Importance of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay and its Connection to True Wealth

The discourse is delivered on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, a name intrinsically linked to Lord Mahavir and the spiritual luminescence of ancient India. The institution is not merely a place for lodging and education but a beacon of this profound heritage. The author uses this occasion to remind everyone of this precious legacy.

The Story of Sudas and the Lotus: A Metaphor for True Devotion

A significant anecdote from ancient times illustrates the concept of true wealth. When Lord Buddha arrived in Rajagriha, a wealthy merchant and a prince competed to offer a single blooming lotus flower at his feet. The gardener, Sudas, who owned the flower, was moved by their intense desire to offer this precious item. He realized that the feet which are worthy of such offerings must be incredibly pure. Instead of selling the flower, Sudas decided to offer it himself, prostrating at Buddha's feet. When asked what he desired, Sudas humbly requested only a "ray of Buddha's compassionate gaze" to dispel the darkness within him. Lord Buddha declared Sudas the true cultured person and wealthy individual present.

This story highlights that:

True wealth is not about possessing things but about inner transformation and spiritual realization.
The desire to offer something valuable to a higher spiritual being, even at personal cost, is a sign of true wealth.
The ultimate wealth is the dispelling of inner darkness and the attainment of inner peace.

The Four Stages of Human Life and their Cultural Significance

The author then delves into the Indian cultural ideal of life, referencing a verse (likely from Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha, though not explicitly stated in the provided text, the sentiment is similar) that outlines four stages of human life and how to enrich them:

Childhood (Shaishav): This stage should be dedicated to education (Vidya). Childhood is the vessel, and education is the nectar. Without this nectar, even a platinum vessel is useless for quenching thirst. The author warns guardians, leaders, and parents against corrupting children's precious childhood through self-interest, instigating unrest, or by creating an environment that fosters negativity. Student minds are like blotting paper, absorbing whatever they are exposed to. Corrupting them is akin to "murdering Indian culture."
Youth (Yauvan): This stage is characterized by effort and ambition (Purusharth). Youth possesses energy, intellect, and the drive to achieve dreams. However, this energy needs direction. The author stresses the importance of not uprooting existing beauty in the world but contributing to its enrichment. He shares the parable of an 81-year-old man planting a mango sapling, explaining that he does it not for himself but for future generations, repaying the debt of gratitude to those who provided shade and fruit to him. True youth is about contributing to the world, embodying kindness, compassion, and service. The author rejects mere talkers and emphasizes the need for action.
Adulthood/Middle Age (Vardhakya): This stage should be dedicated to being like a sage (Munivrutti). As one's body shows signs of aging, it's a transition to the third phase where the knowledge gained in childhood and the efforts of youth are utilized. Being a "muni" means experiencing the music of the soul in silence. It's about maintaining mental equanimity amidst life's challenges. The author recounts a parable of a father who left his sons a "pot" buried deep in the field. The sons, digging the field to find the pot, inadvertently cultivated it, leading to a bountiful harvest. This symbolizes that by delving deep within oneself, one can discover the same divine essence that resided in great souls like Mahavir, Buddha, and Rama. This self-discovery leads to true richness and the realization of one's own divinity.
Old Age/End of Life (Ante Tanutyajam): This stage is about detachment and merging with the divine through yoga (Yogena). This means leaving the physical body peacefully, without the distractions of wills and seals. Yoga is defined as the state where body, mind, and consciousness are aligned. Even in physical discomfort, maintaining mental peace is the hallmark of yoga. The example of Sant Anandghan Ji, who, despite a fever, sang devotional songs, affirming that the fever was only for the body, not the soul, illustrates this point. The author emphasizes that life's true measure is not in its struggles but in how gracefully it ends. A peaceful departure, leaving behind a message of well-being, is the ultimate purpose of life.

The Call to Action: Preserving and Practicing Cultural Wealth

The author concludes by urging listeners to reflect on how well they have preserved their rich cultural heritage. True wealth is found in the richness of the heart, the purity of thoughts, and the clarity of intellect. He wishes that this auspicious day serves as a reminder for everyone to embrace and embody this "sanskardhan," leading to true prosperity and a life of purpose.

In essence, "Aapnu Sanskardhan" is a profound call to rediscover and live by the spiritual and ethical values that form the bedrock of Indian civilization, distinguishing them from mere material wealth. It emphasizes that true prosperity lies in inner cultivation, selfless service, and a deep connection to the divine within oneself and all beings.